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In a landmark event in Istanbul on July 18, 2024, Turkey and Somalia solidified their bilateral relations with the signing of a crucial agreement on hydrocarbon exploration and production. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Somali Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed put pen to paper, underscoring a significant step forward in their nations’ collaboration.
During the ceremony, Minister Bayraktar highlighted Turkey’s strides in natural gas exploration over the past eight years, emphasizing the country’s independent efforts and achievements in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Specifically, he pointed to the discovery and development of the Sakarya Gas Field and the increasing output from the Gabar oil field in southeastern Turkey. Looking ahead, Turkey aims to ramp up production at Gabar to 100,000 barrels per day to meet growing domestic energy demands.
Bayraktar expressed Turkey’s commitment to expanding its energy footprint beyond its borders through partnerships and initiatives with national oil and gas companies. He underscored the significance of the agreement with Somalia, noting its evolution from an initial inter-ministerial agreement signed on March 7, 2024.
“But our country’s needs are increasing. Our country’s needs go far beyond this. For this reason, as I have stated from time to time, Turkey will enter into a more active process not only in exploration on its own land and sea but also in natural gas and oil exploration in certain geographies and certain countries, through partnerships or on its own, with our own national oil companies and natural gas companies,” he was quoted by public broadcaster TRT Haber as saying.
The newly signed agreement enables the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) to conduct exploration activities in three distinct blocks within Somali maritime areas. Minister Bayraktar announced that Turkey’s state-of-the-art MTA Oruç Reis Seismic Research Ship, accompanied by support vessels, will commence 3D seismic surveys in these blocks starting in late September or early October. These surveys, lasting several months, aim to evaluate the potential for significant oil and gas discoveries through subsequent drilling.
The minister detailed the technical challenges posed by the exploration efforts, given sea depths ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 meters and drilling depths potentially reaching up to 4,000 meters below the seabed. He emphasized the complexity of the operation, highlighting the involvement of approximately 50 personnel and a fleet of support ships, including Turkish naval forces providing security.
“In these three fields and three blocks that we have determined the sea depth is approximately 2,000 meters, in some places 3,000 meters. Beyond the sea floor, we will carry out a drilling activity of up to 4,000 meters. That is, total drilling activity at some locations will reach 7 kilometers from the sea’s surface,” the minister explained.
The agreement underscores Turkey’s multifaceted engagement with Somalia, which includes defense cooperation and economic support aimed at enhancing Somalia’s maritime security and overall development. Turkey’s substantial investments in Somali education, infrastructure, health, and humanitarian aid further illustrate the depth of the bilateral relationship.
As Turkey and Somalia embark on this new phase of collaboration in hydrocarbon exploration, the agreement holds promise for mutual benefit, economic growth, and energy security for both nations.
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